News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 12, 2011) - The winner of this year's National Business Book Award is Ezra Levant for his book, Ethical Oil: The Case for Canada's Oil Sands, published by McClelland & Stewart Ltd. The announcement was made this afternoon at a luncheon in Toronto, hosted by co-sponsors PwC and BMO Financial Group.

In his book, Levant tackles a global issue that has an overwhelming impact on Canada and its place in the world. He argues that, although our society has become addicted to oil, Canada's oil sands are among the most ethically produced commodities in the world. Revealing myths about the country's oil sands, Levant further examines the issues around protecting the environment and the role of the media.

Ever provocative and controversial, Levant provides an alternative perspective on the development of Canada's oil sands. He addresses the alleged hypocrisy in Canada's production of "dirty oil" by highlighting how Canada's overall "ethical" profile far exceeds that of other oil-producing nations – such as Saudi Arabia and Sudan – based on political democracy, government regulations, respect for human rights and freedom of the press.

Now in its 26^th year, the National Business Book Award celebrates Canadian business-related writing, published in Canada, in English or French. The award has come to be recognized as one of Canada's most prestigious literary awards. Co-sponsored by PwC and BMO Financial Group, the National Business Book Award honours the winning author with a $20,000 prize.

"After 25 years, PwC continues to recognize and celebrate Canadian talent in the business writing and publishing community," says Gino Scapillati, National Managing Partner, PwC. "The range of book submissions this year truly demonstrates and reflects what is occurring in the business world and what is top of mind. This year, the economy and sustainability are recurring themes."

"There was no shortage of great-quality business books this year and we are very proud to be involved in supporting and honouring Canadian business writers," says Richard Rudderham, Executive Vice-President and Head of Human Resources, BMO Financial Group. "These finalists are skilled academics, authors and economic experts who offer insight and direction on current issues influencing the business world."

The National Business Book Award jury is chaired by Roger Martin, Dean, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. The panel includes: Jane Cooney, Founder, Books for Business; William Dimma, Chairman Emeritus, Home Capital Group, Inc.; Peter Mansbridge, Chief Correspondent, CBC Television Network; Deirdre McMurdy, Adjudicator; and The Honourable Pamela Wallin, Senator.

Ezra Levant, a native of Calgary, is a lawyer, journalist and public activist. He is the author of three other books and is currently host of The Source on Sun News Network.

The finalists for this year's National Business Book Award include:

• Sheila McLeod Arnopoulos, Saris on Scooters: How Microcredit Is Changing Village India, published by Dundurn Press Toronto.

• Richard Florida, The Great Reset: How New Ways of Living and Working Drive Post-Crash Prosperity, published by Random House Canada.

• David Orrell, Economyths: Ten Ways Economics Gets It Wrong, published by John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.

The National Business Book Award winner for 2010 was Jeff Rubin for his book Why Your World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller: Oil and the End of Globalization.